Instead of writing this, I should be finalising my 2023 best-of lists for fiction and non-fiction, but I have run out of energy – since December, I’ve been obsessively reading all the 2023 lists in the world, then putting together my own versions, then plotting my 2024 TBR and going over all the ‘most anticipated’ lists, so I just cannot face another book-themed list at the moment. I will get over it, but until then, let’s take a quick detour and talk about Ukrainian fashion.
It’s in fact a topic I have wanted to cover for a while, with the intention to support Ukrainian brands in a situation where it’s essential to keep the economy of the country going. But I didn’t really own anything made in Ukraine that I could photograph for the blog, so I kept putting it off. I also specifically wanted to feature modern, contemporary design. Many of us are well aware what Ukrainian traditional clothes look like, perhaps we even own a vyshyvanka. But this is not, of course, the extent of what Ukraine can offer in the style department.
Elenareva is a perfect brand to illustrate this point, as it delivers a very elegant version of modern dressing, with minimal but interesting cuts, chic colour palette and overall sophistication. The trouser suit on these pictures is by them and I tried on some of their slip dresses (in the UDPS store in Luxembourg) that would make Victoria Beckham weep with envy. Anna October has a somewhat similar, but slightly more feminine aesthetic with a focus on delicate silk skirts and dresses. In a similar vein, Poustovit likes rather simple shapes, but adds more colour and prints (they also have some very pretty traditional styles and a specially designed silk scarf in Ukrainian colours).
The first piece of clothing I ever bought from a Ukrainian brand was the ubiquitous Atlanta dress from Sleeper. If you still like the puff-sleeved, shirred dress trend (and why shouldn’t you, it’s pretty and flattering), Sleeper’s versions are among the best. They are also known for their feather-trimmed pyjamas, which you have probably seen around, and I also see that they have a maxi slip skirt on sale that I badly need…
If you want something edgier, Kseniaschneider does uber-modern denim and other cool stuff with strong focus on sustainability. Their Chewbacca jeans are a bona fide cult item among those in the know. And it seems that their trainer collaboration with Adidas is still available.
For jewellery, I love Bevza’s beautiful, minimal styles. They often use Ukrainian motifs, but stylised in a way that it’s not immediately obvious. If you like their aesthetic, they also do gorgeous clothes and sleek bags. For something more whimsical and organic, I recommend Gunia. Their jewellery is really unique, as are their ceramics that would make a great gift for a non-minimalist freedom-lover. Gunia is also a great option for clothes if you would like something clearly Ukrainian, but with a touch of contemporary creativity. Their pieces are gorgeous and special and I still have the yellow sweater on my wish list.
Finally, if you simply want to have a beautiful dress or blouse with clear Ukrainian heritage, the ones from Vita Kin are absolutely wonderful and of exceptional quality. Unfortunately – although entirely understandably – they also come with a price tag to match. For something a little more affordable, although by no means cheap, Foberini offers lovely options. I have their dark blue Zozulya dress and I love it.
Are there any other Ukrainian brand that you love and would recommend?
